While in Bonaire last month I heard that Starboard was working on freestyle footstrap placement that would have the straps perpendicular to the centerline, to facilitate switchstance aerials. Getting some flexibility re strap angles seems like a good idea for extreme moves!

That video is great, Ceasar is a great freestyler. Last time in Bonaire I saw him doing awesome trick from 4 knots ....
Since that, I am really having fun those days in light wind with a Start or a SUP with a small sail. I can stay 3-4 hours learning those tricks.

Young guns are starting this fever here....I think of a total new concept in light wind days in windsurfing soon....more than just gliding, but freestyling too.

We are going to have a light wind freestyle championship in March...up to 10 knots and after than switch to Formula style. So we expect to introduce this new freestyle light wind tricks in the events...I think would be lots of fun, specially because 5-10 knots is a great wind for this, but not a great wind for planning for most people...will see, but freestyle is going to produce a big jump in a couple of years for sure...
I can see some light wind freestyle events in pools, clubs, just cool and in the right spot!

best luck!
Ricardo Guglielmino

pierrec45

27th December 2007 10:43 PM

low wind or larger board freestyle?

Hey Ricardo,

firstly, great idea to start holding those comps.

Now, this is none of my business, but I'd like to comment on the format you're proposing, that is, lightwind freestyle and switching format above such-and-such wind.

May I suggest that you want large board (floater, longboard, whatever) freestyle, as opposed to "light wind" freestyle.

Obviously that guy on the video and others are good enough so that they can freestyle those board up to 12-14 knots - easily. Freestyle on those boards gets to be a bit different in stronger winds, but principles are the same. In the old days on larger Windsurfers, the limit was 15 knots or so. It just made for more violent freestyle, that's all.

Personally - and that's me - I make sure that I stretch the capabilities of my boards and freestyle, rather than switch gear (board or sail) as soon as the wind changes by 1 knot. As a matter of fact, methinks this is what kills the sport for some people - the "need" for numerous gears.

By the way, by catering for a wider range of conditions, you have better chance of holding the event too... I know your wind is guaranteed over there, but this is special. For the other 99% of locations that are less ideal, wind is unpredictable, often offshore, etc. Freestylists have to be able to handle adverse conditions too - which those videos boys can handle easily too it's obvious.

Again, none of this really is my beeswax, my unsollicited 2 cents in.
You'z have a great time comes your event in March!
PC.